Getting ready for Spring chicks(Brooder Ideas)??

[joshm97]

It's January now and I want to be prepared for this years chicks. Last year I raised 3 Mottled Chocolate Turkeys and we now own 2
hens and 2 males. Both hens strangely have already started to produce eggs once in a while but I'm thinking its hopefully normal. I have ordered my gear early because last year when we baught the Poults ( baby turkeys) It was hectic. We didn't have a proper brooder, proper heat lamps or anything. not even proper food and water bins(which we have accuired). It was really a miracle they survived let alone thrived. I just want a good Idea for a brooder. Thankyou

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might look through this for ideas. This is from the Coop section at the top of this page.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-brooder-designs-pictures

My brooder is permanently built in the coop. I actually use the top as a droppings board. I usually use it for chicks but have brooded turkeys in it, always along with chicks.

My criteria for a brooder is to give it good draft protection so a breeze does not hit the chicks or poults directly but have it well ventilated above. I made it big enough so the far reaches cool down quite a bit so the chicks can get used to the cooler temperatures. I heat one end and keep that area warm enough. That way they can find their own comfort zone. What actually happens is that they spend a lot of time in the cooler end and go back to the heat to warm up when they wish. They do normally sleep close to the heat source.

Good luck!